Common Questions

The waiting period varies significantly depending on your branch and available training slots — it can range anywhere from a few days to a full year. This period is called DEP (Delayed Entry Program) in the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, or RSP in the Army National Guard. During this time, you're technically enlisted but waiting for your slot, which is often called "hurry up and wait" — the first authentic military experience most recruits have.

Any new legal issues or failed drug test during the pre-ship waiting period can cost you your MOS guarantee, signing bonus, and ability to re-enlist in that component. You're required to report any changes immediately, including new legal issues, medical changes, or new dependents. The military can and does re-evaluate recruits during this period, so protecting your contract requires staying disciplined when no one's watching.

Yes, recruits can be released from the Delayed Entry Program, but it's rare and almost always happens to recruits who stopped paying attention after signing and assumed the hard part was over. Missing required recruiter contact — which happens weekly or monthly depending on your branch — or failing to maintain physical fitness standards can create problems that lead to release. The key is treating this waiting period as seriously as you would after shipping, not as a break from your commitment.

You should continue training and maintaining the fitness baseline you've already established rather than starting from zero. If your MOS has a technical component, start familiarizing yourself with that field now — recruits who arrive with basic knowledge stand out immediately. Additionally, get your financial and personal affairs in order (banking, bills, childcare arrangements), stay mentally engaged during recruiter check-ins, and prepare your family with the information they'll need to handle the communication gap during basic training.

Bring government-issued photo ID, $50–100 cash for initial incidentals, and any prescription medications with documentation (notify your recruiter in advance). If you wear prescription eyeglasses, bring two pairs if possible since contacts are generally not worn during basic training. The military provides basic hygiene items, so you don't need to bring those, but having your own initial supplies can be helpful.

The article recommends building your aerobic base first by progressing from walking to jogging to running, then adding strength work, and finally increasing intensity. Going from zero to full intensity is the main way recruits get injured before basic training starts, so take a gradual approach rather than jumping into maximum effort immediately.

The article identifies several psychological challenges that break recruits: complete communication cutoff from family, loss of control over every decision, sleep deprivation, having your civilian identity dismantled, and fear of failing publicly in front of strangers. Understanding these challenges beforehand removes their power to surprise you, since discomfort you expect is manageable while unexpected discomfort causes people to quit.

Each branch has different fitness tests, so you need to train specifically for your branch's requirements. For example, the Navy requires 42 push-ups and a 1.5-mile run under 12:15 for males, while the Marine Corps requires 23 pull-ups and a 3-mile run under 18:00. The article includes minimum standards for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, and recommends arriving exceeding these minimums rather than just meeting them.

Train during early mornings, cold weather, heat, rain, and other uncomfortable conditions because basic training won't offer ideal circumstances. By practicing in these conditions now, you're preparing your body and mind for what you'll actually face during training rather than getting shocked by the harsh environment when you arrive.

The article emphasizes that mental toughness comes from doing hard things in private before anyone asks you to. This means finishing runs you don't feel like finishing, waking up early when no one's watching, and making the small decision to keep going when it would be easier to quit. Every time you push through these moments, you're building evidence about who you actually are that will carry you through basic training.

The article doesn't specify vision or hearing test failures as disqualifying conditions, which suggests they may be waiverable or correctable. However, the article does mention that certain vision standards (including color vision) are required for specific MOS positions. If you fail these tests, your recruiter can submit documentation requesting a waiver, though timelines for approval can range from days to months. You should discuss your specific test results with your MEPS physician and recruiter immediately.

The article lists temporary disqualifications (like active infections, being outside height/weight standards, or incomplete documents) as addressable conditions, meaning you can return when the issue is resolved. However, the article doesn't specify exact timelines for each condition. The key is addressing whatever caused the temporary DQ—whether that's recovering from illness, meeting weight standards, or completing missing paperwork—then working with your recruiter to schedule your return to MEPS.

A temporary disqualification means you're ineligible on that specific day but can return once the condition is resolved (like recovering from surgery or illness). A waiver requirement means your recruiter must submit documentation to request an exception to a standard, and approval timelines range from days to months. Temporary DQs are typically faster to resolve since you just need to fix the condition and come back, while waivers require military approval and can take significantly longer.

The article mentions that specific felony convictions are listed as permanent disqualifications that are generally not waivable. However, it doesn't specify which felonies are disqualifying and which might be. You need to discuss your criminal history directly and honestly with your recruiter before attending MEPS, as they can tell you whether your specific conviction falls into the permanently disqualifying category or might be waiverable.

The article indicates MEPS is a two-day process: Day 1 is medical processing starting around 0530–0600, and Day 2 covers job selection and enlistment. You should expect to wait for hours in a government facility. The article specifically lists incomplete documents as a cause for temporary disqualification, so you need to work with your recruiter beforehand to ensure all your paperwork is complete and organized before you arrive.

Not necessarily. While meeting the minimum AFQT score gets you in the door, the specific job you want is determined by your line scores—composite scores from individual subtests—not just your overall AFQT. For example, a recruit with a 65 AFQT but a high Electronics line score can access better technical jobs than a recruit with a 75 AFQT and a low Electronics score. This means you need to know your target job before you study and focus on the specific subtests that determine that job's line score requirements.

Only four subtests count toward your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score, which determines enlistment eligibility: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge. However, the other five subtests (General Science, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects) feed into line scores that determine which specific jobs are available to you. So while those four subtests get you enlisted, the other five can open or close career paths.

First, identify the specific line score requirement for your target job before you start studying. For technical positions, you'll likely need a strong score in Electronics Information or Mechanical Comprehension subtests. Rather than studying everything equally, focus your preparation on the subtests that directly feed into that job's line score requirement. The article notes that the Air Force recommends a 65+ AFQT for technical career fields, so aim higher than the minimum if technical roles are your goal.

Your AFQT score (calculated from just four subtests) determines whether you can enlist at all. Your line scores (composites from multiple subtests) determine which specific jobs you qualify for within your branch. The article emphasizes this is the piece most recruits miss: you could pass the ASVAB but have limited job options if your line scores don't match what you want. Knowing both scores gives you control over your career path in the military.

Significantly. According to the article, a score ten points higher can open entire career fields that are completely unavailable at a lower score. Those career fields then determine your training, deployment experience, civilian resume when you leave the military, and in many cases your re-enlistment options. This is why the article stresses that the ASVAB measures preparation, not intelligence—the effort you put in now directly controls your options for your entire military career.

The military runs independent background investigations that will uncover anything you don't disclose. If omissions are discovered after you enlist, you can face fraudulent enlistment charges or discharge. Your recruiter's job is to find a path forward for you—give them the complete picture so they can actually help you move forward.

Some documents like certified birth certificates and official transcripts can take two to four weeks to arrive. If you wait until the week before MEPS to gather these, you'll end up delaying your ship date over paperwork. Start gathering documents now so you're not held up at the last minute.

You need to bring official high school diplomas or sealed transcripts from your school—not just tell them about it. If you have a GED, bring the certificate and scores. If you've attended any college, bring those transcripts too. Having actual documents ready shows you're prepared and speeds up verification.

The recruiter will ask about these things at your first meeting, but they're not automatic disqualifiers. Bring complete medical records, immunization records, and any records for diagnosed conditions so the military physician can review everything and determine what's actually relevant to your eligibility.

The article states that recruits who show up prepared walk out with better options, faster timelines, and more respect from the recruiter. When you know your history, have your documents ready, and understand the questions beforehand, you control the pace of the process. Being prepared signals to the military that you're someone worth investing in from day one.

The Army is your best option if you're uncertain about your role. With 150+ Military Occupational Specialties, the Army gives you the most room to figure out what you want to do while still serving. You'll have the widest range of career paths and the most diverse deployment exposure of any branch.

It depends on the branch. Army Basic Combat Training is 10 weeks. Navy boot camp is 9 weeks (shortened from 10 in January 2025). Marine Corps recruit training is 13 weeks. Air Force and Space Force Basic Military Training is 7.5 weeks, held together at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Coast Guard basic training is 8 weeks at Cape May.

With a high school diploma, the minimum AFQT score is 31 for the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and 32 for the Coast Guard. The Navy and Space Force require a qualifying score but do not publish the number online, so ask a recruiter. GED holders face a higher bar; the Air Force, for example, requires 50.

Yes — according to the article, the branch you choose becomes part of who you are for life. Veterans don't typically introduce themselves as 'former military.' Instead, they identify by their specific branch: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard. This means choosing the right branch isn't just a career decision; it's choosing an identity that stays with you long after service ends.

The Navy is your best choice for translating military credentials directly to high-paying civilian careers. Sailors operate some of the most complex systems in existence, including nuclear power, aviation, intelligence, and medicine. The Air Force is also strong in this area, with careers in cyber, aviation, intelligence, and space operations.

No. A single misdemeanor is frequently waivable with honest disclosure and proper documentation. Even dismissed and expunged charges must be disclosed on military forms, but disclosure is not the same as disqualification. The recruiter's job is to find a path forward, not close the door.

Possibly. ADHD, asthma, past mental health treatment, and prior surgeries are all evaluated individually, and many are waivable. The determining factor is almost always documentation and time, not the condition itself. You'll need to be honest about your full medical history and let a recruiter evaluate your specific situation.

The minimum age to enlist is 17, with a parent's consent if you are under 18, in every branch. Maximum ages differ: Army 42, Air Force 42, Space Force 42, Navy 41, Coast Guard 41, Marine Corps 28. The Army raised its limit from 35 to 42 in 2026. The Army says age waivers are possible in some cases, especially with prior military service, so ask a recruiter.

Know your real reason for wanting to serve—not the polished answer for an interview, but the honest one. Write it down in one sentence. This is what carries recruits through basic training when things get hard; those who know their why hold together, while those who are just chasing benefits and a paycheck struggle.

The list is shorter than most people think: HIV positive status, insulin-dependent diabetes, sex offense conviction or registration, federal drug trafficking conviction, and active untreated psychosis. The vast majority of concerns recruits worry about—criminal records, medical conditions, drug use—don't appear on this permanent disqualification list and may be waivable.

The article recommends using the 5 Whys method: write down your reason for joining, then ask why that matters to you. Repeat this process five times, with each answer becoming the next question. By the fifth answer, you'll have stripped away borrowed reasons from family or friends and found what's actually true and specific to you. If you can't say your reason out loud without hesitating, you're not ready to move forward.

The article acknowledges that recruiters have quotas and the system is designed to move people through quickly. You have more time than you think, and a few extra weeks of clarity is worth more than a fast yes you're unsure about. Don't let pressure from a recruiter who needs to hit his numbers this month rush you into signing before you can clearly answer why you want to do this.

Your why is what carries you through your worst days in uniform—the hard days are guaranteed to come. The military will tell you what to do and how to do it, but it won't explain why you're there. Without a clear, personal reason, you won't have anything to hold onto when things get difficult, which could lead to regret and getting through the first two years miserable.

No—those are a starting point, but they're not enough. The article explains that practical benefits like college and money are often borrowed from other people's reasons, not fully yours. You need to dig deeper by asking why those things matter to you personally, until you reach something honest and specific that feels genuinely yours.

You should figure it out and speak it out loud before you walk through that door. The article recommends writing out your why, telling someone you trust, and being able to say it without hesitating before you move forward in the process. If you don't answer this question for yourself before you sign, nobody will do it for you, and you'll be at a disadvantage from day one.

The article emphasizes that most recruits make the mistake of going straight to a recruiter without understanding the process first. According to Ty Stebbins, this is a misinformation problem—you need to educate yourself about ASVAB, MEPS, and which branch fits your goals before you meet with a recruiter. The Warrior Collective offers free 1-on-1 chats specifically designed to help you map out your path and answer questions about choosing the right branch, so you go into recruiter meetings with a clear direction.

The article includes a testimonial from Kyle, who said his recruiter didn't help much over three months, but a single 15-minute consultation provided more clarity. If you're feeling lost, seek out additional resources like The Warrior Collective's free planning sessions, YouTube content, or community support to get the guidance you need. Don't rely solely on your recruiter—build your team and actively educate yourself about the process.

According to the article's "Question of the Week" response, the best advice is to not take anything personally—not the drill sergeants, not your peers, and not the training itself. Remember that it's all part of the temporary process, which helps you stay mentally resilient when things get tough during basic training and boot camp.

The article identifies the biggest mistake as starting without clear direction and notes that most people feel lost at first. Ty Stebbins opens his calendar weekly for free 1-on-1 chats to help recruits figure out their first steps, whether that's ASVAB prep, understanding MEPS, or choosing the right branch. These conversations are designed to be the guidance most people wish they'd had before starting their military journey.

The article highlights that misinformation and lack of clarity is the root problem most recruits face. The Warrior Collective provides resources like YouTube videos, a "Load Out Kit" for must-have information, and a community platform where you can connect with others and get guidance beyond what a single recruiter offers. Building your team and staying engaged with quality resources will fill the gaps in your understanding.

According to Ty, you should pause and spend time thinking about your goals before contacting a recruiter—don't let someone else decide for you. The article emphasizes that most people don't make bad decisions; they just don't know what the right options are because they talk to a recruiter before doing any real self-reflection. The Warrior Collective is being built specifically to give you tools and a clear path to figure this out before you sign anything, rather than piecing information together from random sources.

While you technically can change jobs later, Ty warns that it's not quick, not easy, and definitely not fun. Choosing a branch or job without a real reason is compared to picking a college without choosing a major—it can work out, but it might narrow your options for years. This is why taking time upfront to make the right choice actually gets you further, faster, and happier in the long run.

The article points out that the current process feels confusing because people piece together information from TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, and whatever their recruiter tells them—and it feels isolating. The Warrior Collective is being built as a single place (not run by the Department of Defense) that offers tools to help you choose the right branch and job, guidance on the ASVAB and MEPS, and a community of people going through the same thing at the same time. It's designed to lay everything out clearly so you know what you don't know before you commit.

Ty regrets that he winged the ASVAB and got lucky, but acknowledges it might have narrowed some of his options years later. The article lists studying for the ASVAB as one of the key things he wishes he'd known before enlisting, suggesting that your ASVAB score can have real long-term consequences on your career options in the military.

According to the article, the biggest mistake is talking to a recruiter before you've spent time figuring out what you actually want. People pick a branch because it sounds cool or because someone they know did it, or they lock in a job without understanding where it leads. By the time something doesn't feel right, they're already committed—but this isn't a character flaw; it happens because people don't know what they don't know.

According to the article, you need to do the work first to establish clarity about who you are, what you want, and why you're enlisting before walking into a recruiter's office. The article compares showing up unprepared to a recruiter to walking into a car dealership with no idea what you need, no budget, and no plan — and warns that someone else will make decisions for you. You should use resources like The Warrior Collective to figure out your own priorities and goals before that first meeting.

The Warrior Collective has developed a tool called Bob the Warrior Qualifier to help you understand your medical eligibility before talking to a recruiter. Bob can answer questions about whether specific conditions might disqualify you, whether you'd need a waiver, and what MEPS will look for. The article notes that Bob is still in early beta testing, so he's not perfect — but he's designed to give you a starting point based on your specific situation so you can verify anything important with a recruiter afterward.

The article addresses this directly, pointing out that most people who serve don't do it for the president — they do it for the person next to them and for their family, and those reasons are what stay with you. The article also notes that your military service will likely outlast any administration, with one example being 21 years of service across four different presidencies. Your reasons for wanting to serve are yours alone, and you shouldn't let the political climate steal something that could change your life.

The article explains that a lot of information from those sources is wrong, incomplete, or unhelpful. Medical eligibility rules depend on specific details unique to your situation, waivers vary case by case, and MEPS pulls real records — so generic online advice won't capture your actual circumstances. That's why Bob was created to give you personalized guidance based on your specific medical situation before you talk to a recruiter.

No — the article is clear that Bob is a tool for awareness, not an authority, and you should always confirm important information through official channels like your recruiter or MEPS. The article warns that assuming Bob is 100% accurate is a key risk, since he's still in very early beta testing and is described as being about 50% smart and 70% dumb. Use Bob to identify possible issues and get a starting point, but verify anything serious before making final decisions.

Processing stops immediately during the pre-screen stage — before you ever go to MEPS for a physical examination. There is no evaluation, no waiting period, and no opportunity to make your case. The decision happens on day one, not weeks or months into the process like it used to.

No. The military has always disqualified applicants for serious medical conditions — what changed is the timing. Determinations that previously took weeks or months to surface now happen at your very first point of contact during pre-screening.

Not necessarily. The CUW policy only applies to the 28 specific serious conditions listed. If you have a healed surgery, a resolved diagnosis, or a managed condition, the military waiver process still exists for you — that's a separate conversation from this new pre-screen disqualification.

The military implemented this policy for operational efficiency. Military recruiting reached its highest level in over 15 years in 2025, so with high demand and limited resources, the screening process got sharper. If you have a CUW condition, you now know before investing months into the process that this path won't work.

The article does not provide specific information about waiver availability for CUW conditions, and the complete list of all 28 conditions has not been fully released to the public. You should contact a recruiter directly to discuss your specific situation and understand what options, if any, may exist for your condition.

Before Basic Training covers much more than just test prep. The podcast walks through branch selection, MEPS and medical history, waivers, ASVAB, fitness, mindset, and importantly—the family conversations that most recruiters won't help you prepare for. It's designed to tackle the real questions and decisions you need to make before you ever walk into a recruiter's office.

The podcast is specifically built to give you honest, independent guidance without pressure or a pitch—something Ty (the founder) says he wished he had before enlisting. Recruiters are focused on recruitment, but this podcast is designed for the conversations that don't happen in their office, letting you figure things out on your own terms first.

Episode 1 of Before Basic Training is specifically titled 'Do I Even Qualify? Disqualifiers, Waivers, and Your WHY' and covers exactly this. It discusses medical history, potential disqualifiers, and how waivers work—giving you a clear picture of your eligibility before you commit to talking to a recruiter.

Before Basic Training is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and RSS feeds. You can also go directly to thewarriorcollective.us/podcast to start listening. Episode 1 is live now and is recommended as the place to start.

This podcast is specifically designed for people still in the decision-making window—before you talk to a recruiter and before you've signed anything. It's for anyone seriously considering military service who wants real information without pressure, making it perfect for people who are still figuring out if enlistment is the right choice.

Your real 'why' is the honest reason sitting in the back of your mind that actually sustains you through hard times — whether that's proving something to yourself, escaping your hometown, or something else entirely. The polished reason you give a recruiter might focus on pay, benefits, or college, but those alone won't carry you through basic training, deployments, or the tough days. The article shows that most young people cite money and education as their main reasons, but those don't match what actually keeps people going once they're in. Your real 'why' is what matters most before you enlist.

Use what the article calls the 'napkin technique.' Go somewhere alone with a pen and paper, and write down every single reason you're thinking about joining the military — no filter, no judgment. This includes the reasons that might seem shallow like impressing someone, getting out of town, or proving something to yourself. After you write it all down, walk away for a few hours or a day, then come back and read it. Something shifts when you see all your thoughts on paper instead of spinning in your head — the noise settles and your real reasons rise to the top.

Money is important and a legitimate reason to join, but it's not enough to sustain you during the genuinely hard parts of military service. The article emphasizes that you'll face difficult moments in basic training, at your first duty station, during deployments, and on nights when you question your decision. Your 'why' — the deeper, personal reason you're serving — is what actually carries you through those moments, not the paycheck. According to the article, recruits who thrive are the ones who figured out their real reason before enlisting, while those who relied solely on pay often discover too late that it wasn't enough.

The article doesn't directly address what to tell your recruiter, but its core message is that you need to be honest with yourself about your real 'why' before you even meet with one. The article is about personal clarity — understanding your true motivation so you're mentally and emotionally prepared for what's ahead. Your real 'why' is for you to know and use as your anchor during tough times. What you share with a recruiter can be professional, but the work of discovering your authentic reason needs to happen first and privately.

According to the article, there's no such thing as a wrong reason — they're all yours, and that's the whole point. The author has heard every possible motivation, from impressing someone to escaping your hometown to proving something to yourself, and doesn't judge any of them. The napkin technique is designed to help those reasons become clear so you can understand what will actually sustain you. Sometimes what looks like a shallow reason on the surface has deeper meaning underneath, and the process of writing and reflecting helps you sort through what really matters to you.

According to Coach, every single person who has shipped to basic training has felt some version of doubt, anxiety, and sadness before leaving. The key point is that doubt isn't a signal to quit—it's a signal that this is real and you know it matters. If you're feeling it four days out, that means you're human, not that you're making the wrong decision.

Coach says basic training is called "basic" for a reason—it's a system that works for around 200,000 people every year across all branches, regardless of their personality traits. You will get yelled at and you will take things personally, but that's intentional. The real benefit is that graduating basic will help you for the rest of your life because you'll realize you can handle incredibly difficult situations.

Coach acknowledges that the sadness and anxiety of leaving people behind is real and something every recruit experiences. The fact that you're feeling this means you care deeply about those relationships. This emotional weight is part of what makes basic training tough, but it's also proof that you're going through something meaningful that will shape the rest of your life.

Coach's advice is to talk to at least two different branches and take the time to compare them, even if you feel ready to start a new chapter. While the core experience of basic training is similar across branches, there are differences between them worth understanding before you commit to a contract.

Start by asking them, 'What worries you most about this?' and really listen to their answer without interrupting. Then tell them back what you heard so they know you understand their concerns. Finally, share your real reason for joining (not the recruiter version) and show them a concrete plan—your branch, your specific job, and how you're preparing. When parents see a real plan instead of just a feeling, they're more likely to trust your decision.

During basic training, you won't be able to text or call your parents whenever you want—it's completely different from your normal life. Limited communication is part of the process, so it's important to prepare your parents for this ahead of time. This is actually something your parents are likely worried about, so addressing it directly in your conversation with them shows you've thought it through.

Write down your actual reason for joining before you talk to your parents or a recruiter—not what sounds impressive, but what's really driving you. Your parents will respond better to your genuine motivation than to a generic reason. Once you articulate your real why and they understand it, the risk of your decision starts to feel smaller and more manageable to them.

Yes—parents are specifically welcome in The Warrior Collective community. The article directly invites parents to join and learn from people who've already gone through this process. Having your parents connect with other military families and people a few steps ahead can help them understand what to expect and feel more confident about your decision.

You should retake it if you haven't been studying. The article emphasizes you have 1-2 more shots at it, and at your age, you'll need every advantage since you'll be working five times harder than 18-year-olds anyway. Don't drag your feet — get that score where you want it before you enlist.

Look past day one and focus on what the job gives you in the civilian world — credentials, certifications, and trade training. A job might look great initially but drain you by year three, so research the long-term payoff. At your age, hunting for skills that translate to civilian careers is more important than picking based on what sounds good at the start.

The Guard can help you stay rooted with one weekend a month commitment, but training and deployments will still happen — the military is tough on families no matter which branch. Use the Guard as a tool to build the life you want (like a trade career), but go in understanding that time away from home will occur.

Yes — you'll work five times harder than an 18-year-old fresh out of high school. However, your life experience is a major advantage that young recruits never have and will carry you through your military career in ways they can't achieve. The challenge is real, but your maturity is a genuine asset.

Being burnt out on civilian life isn't the strongest foundation. The article warns that if you already have life figured out, joining might not be the right move — you need direction and purpose beyond just wanting out. Make sure you're enlisting toward something meaningful, not just away from something you're tired of.